The New Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom, Mentor's Guide, MG13

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T H E N E W T E S T A M E N T W I T N E S S T O C H R I S T A N D H I S K I N G D O M

John 8.31-32 - So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, [32] and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 15.4-9 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. [5] I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. [6] If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. [7] If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. [8] By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. [9] As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. The questions connected with these lesson transitions are specifically designed to ensure that the students review and discuss the critical aims and facts presented in the first video segment. Depending on how you actually have scheduled your class meeting, it will be important for you to gauge your time well, especially if your students are intrigued with the concepts, and want to discuss their implications at length. Allow for the proper time to focus in on the main points, and still have enough time for a break before the next video segment is started. What is important in this segment is to show the ways in which the biblical materials introduce the idea of Jesus of Nazareth in the context of the Roman occupation of Israel, and to verify his actual, historical place. Notice carefully the many allusions to the Old Testament in the birth narratives associated with the person of Jesus. Right from the beginning, the Apostles want us to understand the continuity and fulfillment themes associated with Jesus and the promised Messiah. Highlight this theme especially in your discussion of the segment with the students.

6 Page 24 Student Questions and Response